Car Door

By Peter Ellis

some things just need to be said

out loud so i'm not left on read

you were happy to see me

in your company the pleasures all mine

i let you go as i bit my tongue

wrestled with the need for clarity

at the great cost of sincerity

i stepped out of my head for once

your name rolled down the road

as i thought about one last retreat

i indulged in chasing after you

no one else would drive like i do

i stumbled over myself 

the words were jittery, 

but the message clear

can you tell me how to behave, here?

it's all love in the end, really

i see you in all your layers

no need to unwrap them in the cold

they're caught between my new and old

pride swallowed, head high

i walked away happy,

what mores to ask for?

oh yeah, i never shut my car door.

By Peter Ellis